Subtract 40/9 from 21/42
1st number: 21/42, 2nd number: 4 4/9
21/42 - 40/9 is -71/18.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 9 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
21/42 = 21 × 3/42 × 3 = 63/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
40/9 = 40 × 14/9 × 14 = 560/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
63/126 - 560/126 = 63 - 560/126 = -497/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -71/18
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